Trump Administration Cuts Funding: Over 1,000 Laid Off at icddr,b

Staff Reporter

The International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) has laid off more than 1,000 staff due to the suspension of U.S. funding.

An official from the organization reported that layoff notices have been issued in phases since last Wednesday. Most of the affected employees were involved in research projects funded by U.S. agencies, including USAID.

AKM Tariful Islam Khan, Senior Manager of Communications at icddr,b, stated, “Research and projects funded by the U.S. government have been paused as per their directive until further notice.”

He added, “We regret any inconvenience caused to our beneficiaries, partners, and colleagues and hope to resume activities soon.”

This situation stems from changes in U.S. foreign aid policies. After assuming office for a second term, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 90-day freeze on foreign aid, impacting funding for the State Department, USAID, and other global initiatives.

CNN reported that in February, the Trump administration plans to establish new criteria to evaluate whether foreign aid aligns with its foreign policy objectives. Decisions will then be made on whether to continue, modify, or terminate assistance programs.